Kitchen Layouts: Choosing Between U-Shaped, L-Shaped, & Galley Kitchens

Kitchen renovations cannot commence until you know where everything will go. In some cases, available space and utilities will decide for you. Even then, there are ways to optimize the layout. 

Today, we’re tackling kitchen layouts. Whether you’re choosing between U-shaped, L-shaped, and galley kitchens or simply looking for inspiration for your current layout, keep reading. 

Choosing a kitchen layout: Factors to consider 

Kitchen layouts should reflect your lifestyle. That doesn’t just mean taste and design elements. It should facilitate the way your household functions. Here are four factors that can help a kitchen become the heart of a home, starting with the layout. 

The size of the space 

Only some layouts can be successfully adapted to a small space. Even larger spaces need special consideration to support the flow that makes sense for your home. For example, a galley kitchen isn’t the top pick if you prefer a more open, inviting plan. 

Workflow and cooking habits 

Note your movements the next time you prepare a meal. How often do you go from the counter to the stove, from the fridge to the sink? Imagine having to take a few extra steps between. Determining how much counter space you need is key, too. 

Your kitchen layout should make your preferred order of operations as convenient as possible. 

Kitchen activity and entertainment 

If you host a lot of family and friends, it should figure into your choice of layout. This includes how many people are typically cooking at once. As you’ll find during our layout comparison, there’s such a thing as too many cooks in one kitchen. 

It comes down to how much of an audience and how much foot traffic you’re willing to accommodate.  

Personal preferences 

Some people see a kitchen they love and cannot be swayed in any other direction. If space allows, you shouldn’t have to give up that dream.  

contemporary u shaped kitchen

U-shaped kitchen layouts 

U-shaped layouts deliver if you want to use a mix of materials and maximize counter space. Because of that extra space, two cooks can more easily coexist here.  

However, this doesn’t mean it’s a good high-traffic space. You’ll have room to prepare large meals for entertaining, but unless one side of the U is a peninsula, you may remain isolated from guests. 

Size-wise, U-shaped kitchen layouts are good for the medium-sized space. Smaller spaces can get cramped with a three-sided kitchen. Large ones can have you too spread out.  

Pros of U-shaped kitchen layouts  Cons of U-shaped kitchen layouts 
Lots of design flexibility  Not right for kitchens of every size 
Increased counter space  More complex installation 
Perfect for multiple workflows  Single entry with corners  
More storage than other layouts  Difficult to reconfigure post-install 

 

l shaped kitchen layout farmhouse

L-shaped kitchen layouts 

If you’re short on space, look no further than the L-shaped layout. Appliances and workspace are arranged on two adjoining walls for an open plan that facilitates easy navigation.  

It’s also ideal for socialization since there’s no wall between your workspace and a potential seating area.  

Just pay careful attention to using this design for a large kitchen. It can become inefficient if appliances and utilities aren’t in the order that makes the most sense or are too spread out. 

Pros of L-shaped kitchen layouts  Cons of L-shaped kitchen layouts 
Good for small dwellings  Must be carefully planned 
Ideal for open plans  Not ideal for two cooks 
Sufficient storage and counter space  Can get cluttered 
More affordable than other plans   

 

galley kitchen modern contemporary

Galley kitchen layouts 

This long, narrow hallway of a kitchen is beloved by both home chefs and professionals. It’s for efficient users who know exactly what they want and where it goes.  

How this design functions for you depends very much on what’s at the end of the walkway. If it’s a dead-end, as seen above, it’s great for laser-sharp focus in the kitchen.  

If it leads to another part of the home, there’s the potential for inconvenient traffic jams. That’s why it may not be the best choice for large families.  

However, it works well for both small and large dwellings. It’s often the design of choice for a second kitchen in large homes. Galley layouts don’t offer the most storage space and usually won’t accommodate an island.   

Pros of galley kitchen layouts  Cons of galley kitchen layouts 
Excellent for organized solo cooks  Gets claustrophobic with a dead end 
Makes the most efficient use of space  Not a lot of design flexibility 
Reduced cost due to small, simple layout  May not offer a lot of storage 
Allows for privacy and focus in the kitchen  May not accommodate large appliances 

 

l shaped kitchen layout island

What’s the best kitchen layout for an island? 

L-shapes and medium-to-large U-shape layouts get even better when you add an island. Islands for L-shapes can double as seating while they offer more workspace to U-shapes. It increases storage for both.   

Which is the best layout design for a kitchen that has a small area? 

A galley kitchen layout will always win if the main concern is size. However, choose L-shaped layouts if you need an open floor plan.  

Where should a fridge go in the kitchen? 

The refrigerator should be in an area where it doesn’t impede traffic when open. From there, consider keeping it as close as possible to other food areas, such as a pantry, and prep areas. This makes stocking and preparing more efficient. 

You may also base placement on the kitchen triangle if it applies to your lifestyle and layout. 

A design professional can help you get it right 

Choosing between U-shaped, L-shaped, and galley kitchens is just the beginning. Proper placement of all appliances, fixtures, and workspaces determines the longevity and success of your kitchen remodel.  

 

The Designery can help. Let our experienced professionals find the style and flow that improves your everyday. Sign up for a complimentary design consultation to begin. 

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